Burda 7863---My First "Homemade" Denim Capris!

It's day 24 of the Fearless February Challenge and I've cranked out garment #2--- a pair of denim capris. I'm delighted to admit that this is my first time sewing a pair of denim capris. I've avoided sewing any denim jean due to pure laziness (not a fan of all that topstitching) and of course my initial struggles with fitting pants. I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt. And to be quite honest all that topstitching wasn't bothersome at all---actually alot of fun. I'm definitely happy I decided to take on this project. Here's my review......

(Front view)

Burda 7863

Time to Sew: About 6 hours or so. 

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

Not difficult at all. I'd give it about a 5 since itt involves alot of topstitching---Since my other sewing machine was down I had to keep switching between my stitching and topstitching threads.

Pattern Description:

Slim 3/4 length jeans.

Pattern Sizing:

I cut and sewed the size 14

(Side view)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Pretty much!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked the simple style of the pattern. It's very well drafted and it's very fitted which is how I like my capris.

(Back views---I created my pocket design and sewed it on my machine)

Fabric Used:

Dark Indigo Denim with some stretch that I've had in my stash for a while.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

-Warning---the front crotch depth is long. You can tell from the pattern envelope model pics. I removed a little over 1" of depth but it still was a bit long.

-I omitted the pocket flaps and belt loops.

-Created a design on the pattern

-Didn't do the side seam topstitching. I was nervous the white topstiching on the dark indigo would be too much.

-Cut the front pockets down in size and made them mock. The pockets extended to the fly front and were just too big for my taste.

-Added 2 darts to the yoke---removing 6/8 in. each.

-Had slight gaposis in the waistband so I removed it by adding dart to back waistband seam.

-I cuffed the hem.

What would you do differently next time?:

-Add a bit more ease. I overestimated my denim's stretch and made my jeans a bit tight thinking they'd relax a bit. They do but it just takes a bit of stretching. Next time I'll add just a little more ease.

-I'd wash my denim with a can of coke as I hear is recommended to really get the denim fibers to soften up and relax.

-I'd also reduce the crotch length a bit more since there was some wrinkling.

(a little wrinkling in the crotch due to long crotch length)

( even after removing 1" crotch depth, it was still a little long for me)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

This is a great pattern! I definitely recommend it!

Wardrobe Versatility:

They're denim capris---they practically go with everything.

Conclusion:

I love my capris!!! I practically live in them during the Summer and I'm delighted that I can make my own. I plan to make them in a rainbow of colors!!!!